UMS Hosts International Student Summit 2024

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has been selected as the host university for the 2024 International Student Summit (ISS), scheduled for October 2024.

This event gathers international student delegates who are recipients of the Developing Country Partnership (KNB) scholarship and are studying at universities across Indonesia. The KNB scholarship is a program provided by the government of the Republic of Indonesia through the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.

The Directorate of Institutions coordinated the planning of ISS 2024 in the Rectorate Conference Room, 6th Floor, Siti Walidah Main Building at UMS, focusing on infrastructure and accommodation surveys around the campus. Acting Director of Higher Education Institutions of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Bhimo Widyo Andoko, S.H., M.H., stated that this meeting would cover the preparations for the event to be hosted at UMS.

Dr. Bhimo Widyo Andoko, S.H., M.H. UMS Public Relation

“Approximately what steps need to be taken,” he said, referring to the preparations for the event. “First, I want to provide some background on the KNB program, which began in the 1990s. Alhamdulillah, many of its alumni have gone on to become prominent figures in their respective countries,” he added on Friday (6/9/2024).

According to him, the event serves as a warm welcome for KNB (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang) scholarship awardees from various countries, making it essential to introduce them to Indonesia’s customs and cultural values.

“This orientation period will introduce the program, its objectives, and the goals of this mission, particularly in terms of networking. I am confident that the organization of ISS at UMS will run smoothly, as I know UMS often handles large events and is experienced in managing them,” he said.

This statement was warmly received by Vice Chancellor V for Cooperation and International Affairs, Prof. Supriyono, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.

The event continued with a brief overview of the program planned for ISS 2024, presented by Singgih Eko Yudistiro, S.I.Kom., who is responsible for the event coordination.

Singgih explained that ISS 2024 will raise the theme “Javanese Rhapsody: Weaving Culture, Creativity, and Solidarity.”

“ISS 2024, hosted by UMS, highlights Javanese culture. We recognize that UMS has deep roots in Surakarta, the heart of Java. Therefore, we are focusing on Javanese culture, while still embracing the broader Indonesian culture,” he explained.

He added that the themes of “tradition” and “innovation” are critical elements of this event. The event will feature traditional values alongside creativity and modernity, serving as a stage for cultural expression and transforming new works.

“Last but not least, we are also emphasizing ‘solidarity.’ ISS 2024 will address humanitarian issues, especially since many awardees come from conflict areas. This makes solidarity one of the most important elements of the event,” he said.

Singgih believes that this year’s ISS must be modern and more innovative in its approach to internationalization. The event will be an essential platform to showcase Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, featuring graceful traditional dances, the melodious sounds of gamelan music, and the profoundly philosophical art of wayang kulit (shadow puppetry).

Through various workshops, art performances, and interactive discussions, international students will have the opportunity to experience the charm of Javanese culture firsthand, an aspect of Indonesia’s heritage that continues to inspire the world.

After the presentation, the discussion continued with the Directorate of Institutions, followed by a survey of several ISS 2024 venues. The team visited the Campus II Field, Campus II Sports Hall (GOR), and the Edutorium KH Ahmad Dahlan UMS. The survey was led by the Head of the International Class Program, Wijianto, M.Eng.Sc.

Writer: Fika

Editor: Gede

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Source: News UMS